October 29, 2025

How to Reduce the Drying Time of Winsor & Newton Artisan Water Mixable Oil Colour

What Are Winsor & Newton Artisan Water Mixable Oil Colours?

Winsor & Newton Artisan Water Mixable Oil Colours are a modern take on traditional oils — designed to look, feel, and perform just like conventional oil paint, but without the need for hazardous solvents. Made from modified linseed and safflower oils, these paints can be thinned and cleaned with nothing more than water.

That means you can enjoy all the richness, depth, and buttery texture of oil paint, with a safer, easier cleanup. Whether you paint at home, in a shared studio, or in a classroom, Artisan oils make oil painting more accessible and environmentally considerate.

With 39 vibrant colours available, the range offers the same opacity, transparency, permanence, and lightfastness you’d expect from Winsor & Newton’s professional standards.

Why Choose Water Mixable Oils Over Traditional Oils?

The biggest advantage of water mixable oils is their versatility and convenience. You no longer need to rely on turpentine or mineral spirits to thin paint or clean your brushes. This not only makes them safer to use but also ideal for artists sensitive to fumes or those painting in enclosed spaces.

Easier cleanup – brushes and palettes wash clean with soap and water.
Healthier and safer – no harsh odours or solvent exposure.
Eco-friendly – less environmental impact compared to solvent-based oils.
Consistent performance – comparable pigment load and drying behaviour to traditional oils.

Despite these differences, Artisan paints retain the rich texture, slow drying time, and blendability that oil painters love.

Understanding Drying Times

Like regular oil paints, Artisan Water Mixable Oils dry through oxidation — the oil reacts with air to form a durable paint film. When you thin the paint with water, the water evaporates first, leaving behind the oil to dry naturally.

Depending on the pigment, drying times can vary:

Fast-drying colours (approx. 2 days)

Prussian Blue
Raw and Burnt Umber

Medium-drying colours (approx. 5 days)

Cadmium Hues
Phthalo Blue (Red Shade)
Phthalo Greens
Siennas, Ochres
French Ultramarine
Titanium White, Zinc White
Lamp Black, Ivory Black

Slow-drying colours (5+ days)

Cadmiums
Permanent Rose (Quinacridone)
Permanent Alizarin Crimson

A slightly tacky surface during the drying process is normal and indicates that the paint film is forming properly.

How to Speed Up Drying Time

If you’d like to work in layers or speed up your workflow, Winsor & Newton’s Artisan Fast Drying Medium is your best tool.

This medium:

Speeds drying time by up to 50%
Improves flow and transparency
Increases gloss
Reduces visible brush marks
Is resistant to yellowing

It’s perfect for glazing techniques or creating fine detail, and can replace linseed oil when painting in layers. When mixed with water or Artisan Thinner, it also helps maintain the traditional “fat over lean” rule of oil painting.

Tips for Working With Artisan Water Mixable Oils

Use dedicated Artisan mediums – Stick with Winsor & Newton Artisan mediums, oils, and varnishes to keep your paint films water mixable.
Avoid mixing with traditional oils or mediums – This can reduce the paint’s water solubility.
Control drying time – Add more Fast Drying Medium for quicker results, or less for extended blending.
Use firm brushes – Hog bristle or synthetic bristle brushes are ideal for thick, expressive strokes.
Clean up with ease – Rinse brushes in water immediately after painting and use mild soap for best results.
Finish with Artisan varnish – Once your artwork is dry, apply a suitable varnish to protect your painting and enhance its finish.

The Difference in Quality

Winsor & Newton has formulated Artisan Water Mixable Oil Colour to meet the same high standards as their professional oil paints. You’ll find:

The same high pigment load for strong, vibrant colour.
Excellent lightfastness, ensuring your work stands the test of time.
A buttery consistency ideal for both impasto and fine detail work.

While traditionalists may notice subtle textural differences, most artists find that Artisan paints deliver a seamless oil painting experience — with the added benefit of easy water cleanup.

In Summary

Winsor & Newton Artisan Water Mixable Oil Colours offer the perfect balance between traditional craftsmanship and modern convenience. Whether you’re new to oil painting or an experienced artist looking for a cleaner, safer alternative, Artisan paints give you all the beauty of oil colour without compromise.

Use Artisan Fast Drying Medium to accelerate drying, improve flow, and bring a professional finish to your work — all while keeping your studio solvent-free.